Everyday Life with Small Pets: What Belongs in Every Enclosure?

“A small cage is enough!” – This sentence is unfortunately often heard when it comes to small pets. But the truth is: a species-appropriate enclosure is much more than just a
cage. It is the habitat in which animals can run, jump, dig, eat and sleep. A lovingly designed home makes the difference
between mere keeping and a happy animal life.

Myth Check

• “Toys are unnecessary.” → Not true. Without variety, animals suffer or develop behavioral problems. Occupation protects against boredom – and promotes health.
• “Litter is just decoration.” → False. It is the basis for hygiene, well-being, and natural burrowing, rooting, and nesting behavior.
• “Alone is fine too.” → No. Many small mammals are social animals that must be kept in pairs at a minimum.

Must-haves for the Enclosure

• Space: The bigger, the better. Racetracks, jumping areas, or digging areas are part of it.
• Litter: Low-dust, soft, and absorbent – so that animals feel comfortable.
• Food & Water: Stable bowls or drinking bottles that cannot tip over.
• Hiding places: Tunnels, houses, or tubes for security and retreat.
• Occupation: Twigs for nibbling, digging boxes, tubes, or a running wheel (for hamsters).

Involve Children

Children can actively help with setting up or redesigning the enclosure. They directly experience how curious animals react to new objects – an exciting moment that shows that keeping animals is something dynamic. For example, parents can ask the following question: “Look, which house does the rabbit like to hide in the most?” This turns observation into a shared learning process.

Cleaning the enclosure can also be designed as a family task. When everyone cleans out together, it quickly becomes clear why hygiene is so important. Children learn that care includes not only feeding but also responsibility for order and health.

Everyday Examples

When a rabbit jumps enthusiastically over a fresh digging box or a hamster curiously crawls into a new tunnel, it immediately shows children that animals need variety. Such observations promote children’s empathy and stimulate conversations: “How is the animal feeling right now?” In this way, a child-friendly bridge is built to topics such as needs and feelings.

The most Important Thing at a Glance

An enclosure is not a static piece of furniture, but a living space. It shows children that animals need space, retreats, and occupation – just like people. Those who ensure that the animals’ home is furnished in a species-appropriate manner not only create healthy living conditions but also convey values such as mindfulness and responsibility.